Oklahoma organizes events to mark AIDS' impact
UAXS | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Oklahoma organizations will mark World AIDS Day next week with activities meant to raise awareness of the disease and progress in treatment.
The first World AIDS Day was celebrated internationally Dec. 1, 1988. This year's theme, "Universal Access and Human Rights," strives to break the stereotypes of those infected with AIDS/HIV.
"The stigma behind HIV and AIDS infection is a barrier, preventing individuals from testing and receiving care," said Debbie Purton, interim chief of HIV services for the state Health Department. "World AIDS Day is dedicated to promoting awareness about HIV and AIDS, breaking free from the shame associated with the infection."
At the end of 2008, there were 4,668 people living with HIV or AIDS in Oklahoma. More than half of the new reported cases in the United States are people younger than 25. Blacks make up nearly half of new cases.
While treatments have prolonged lives, AIDS remains deadly, said Dr. Kevin Fenton of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Although available treatments have dramatically increased the life expectancy of people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, it remains a fatal disease. In 2007, more than 14,000 Americans with AIDS died," he said. "Clearly, we must keep fighting this preventable yet deadly disease."
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